Created in 1861; Park County is one of Colorados original 17 territorial counties. It is named after South Park; which is the vast; high alpine valley at the countys center. By the time the first fur trappers and explorers arrived in the early 1800s; Ute Indians had long visited the area to hunt the mountain valleys and fish the trout-filled streams. In 1859; prospectors discovered gold along Tarryall Creek; ushering in a mining boom that gave rise to dozens of boisterous mining camps. Ranchers soon followed; taking advantage of the nutritious native grasses and raising cattle to feed hungry miners; often under harsh conditions. By the 1880s; the Denver; South Park Pacific and Colorado Midland Railroads arrived; spurring the growth of new towns and opening new markets for Park Countys minerals; hay; ice; lumber; and cattle. As mining waned; tourism emerged as a major economic force attracting visitors eager to experience Park Countys authentic character and stunning natural beauty.
#1056613 in eBooks 2009-03-25 2009-03-25File Name: B009ZOKWMS
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. From the Depths of the Coal MinesBy Larry RochelleTommy Dorsey had a very strong dad who wanted his kids to avoid working in the depths of the coal mines in eastern Pennsylvania. Peter Levinson explains how the Dorseys father taught them music. insisted on music careers. and drove Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey to the top of the big band charts in the 1930s and 1940s.Of course. along the way there was a different kind of chaos in their music careers. The Dorseys. huge rivals. argued incessantly. stopped being friends and referred to each other as "The Brother." For 30 years. their careers dovetailed with Tommy being the young but more aggressive bother and Jimmy being the older but softer kid.Most band members thought they learned more with Tommy. but they also thought Jimmy was the nicer guy. Tommy Dorsey molded his bands toward perfection. and he also helped in a cantankerous way to mold his musicians. often firing them for no reason. and then hiring them back the next day. Tommy demanded excellence and got it.While reading. I listened to the CDs by both of the brothers and the magic of their playing made reading this biography even more enjoyable. Put on some Dorsey big band music and enjoy the sentimental sounds of great music history.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Swings man of swagger...By CustomerI bought this book after reading the authors biography of Harry James. and enjoyed it almost as much. The format is the same: a chronological story of Dorsey. beginning with his childhood in the coal country through to his early death as a big band icon. The book is long on detail. providing extensive information on Dorseys musical career: the lead to and then success of the "Tommy Dorsey Band". including rosters of musicians (which were changing constantly) singers. writers and arrangers. etc; also. concert dates. recording sessions. radio shows. cross-country tours. movie appearances and finally the TV shows promoted by Jackie Gleason. It is all diligently chronicled. Dorseys personal life (three wives). and contentious relationship with "the Brother" is given almost equal attention.Of course. Dorsey was known as much for his charismatic and mercurial personality as he was for his musical talents and influence on the big-band era. and this is really what makes the book so interesting.The anecdotes and "color come through first-hand accounts by people who interacted directly with Dorsey professionally. personally. or both.( Dorseys last wife was even interviewed ). The author was lucky to finish the book when he did as many of those people giving the first-hand accoutns have passed on ( including the author himself). It is these commentaries on the "bigger than life" Dorsey that make the story so compelling. Future histories of this era in American entertainment will never be able to capture this aspect of the story as the eyewitnesses and players are now almost all gone.If there is any quibble with the book it would be with the ending which is a little too sentimental(ironic for the sentimental gentleman?). and almost maudlin in regards to Dorseys death and legacy. Otherwise. I think this is a book for fans and historians alike of the swing era. and American entertainment in general. 4 1/2 stars1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A must buy. if you love big bands or a fan of the American songbook.By pa joeLoved the book! Saw an old interview with the author on PCN - Pennsylvania Cable Network. That got me interested in the book.The interview is available through PCN by the way.So much information in the book. Tommy was a complex man. A great bandleader. He had so many different musicians in his orchestra. I believe he fired Sinatra twice. He would fire and rehire.Tommy aged quickly. He died at the age of 51. but looked more than ten years older than that.The book does give information on the brother. Jimmy. Jimmy died before he was 55 also. Jim is buried in Shenandoah Pa. - Tommy is buried in New York State.Great book! If you have any interest big bands and their music. do get this book. You will enjoy it.
